Few electronic devices contain as
much sensitive information as a smartphone. If someone stole your
cellphone, the thief could potentially use the information stored in
your phone to determine the following details:

• Where you live

• When you will be away from home (by looking at the information in your calendar)

• The names and contact information of your friends, family, and business associates

As if that were not enough, someone who is in
possession of your phone could send e-mail messages posing as you, or
could run up your phone bill by placing a bunch of international calls.
As such, you need to protect your Windows Phone 8 device just as you
would protect a laptop loaded with personal information.

Setting the Screen Timeout

In an effort to preserve battery life and
improve security, Windows Phone 8 is designed to time out after a
period of inactivity. When the timeout threshold is reached, the
device’s screen automatically turns off, forcing you to re-enter your
phone’s password to regain access. You can adjust the timeout threshold
period by going to the Settings screen and following these steps:

1. Tap Lock Screen.

2. Scroll to the bottom of the Lock Screen Settings screen and tap the Screen Times Out After box.

The Lock and Wallpaper screen does
not have any kind of button that you can press to make Windows accept
the changes you have made. If you change the screen timeout period,
your change goes into effect as soon as you select it. It is also worth
noting that some device manufacturers do not offer the Never option.